Popular myths and misconceptions about mental arithmetic

In the vastness of the network, you can find many articles that mental arithmetic and https://argoprep.com/blog/inquiry-based-learning/ is not at all useful, and even harmful to children, that if you quit classes halfway, there will be no result. As a matter of fact, let’s figure it out together.

Mental arithmetic will interfere with mastering the school curriculum
Many people think that since learning is different and the child is interested in the lessons, then at school he will simply be confused or bored. First, the purpose of mental arithmetic is to teach quick mental arithmetic. Secondly, having learned to count and having understood mathematics, the child changes his attitude to the previously unloved subject and feels more confident at school.

Another thing is that training takes time and in fact it is a long time. To achieve success in a subject, you need to study every day for 2 years. And this is quite a big burden for a child who is already given so much at school. Therefore, think in advance whether your child needs mental arithmetic or is it better to improve mathematics in individual lessons with a teacher.

Math is not taught this way.
There is some truth in this. The child will not learn to share. You still have to learn the multiplication table and https://argoprep.com/blog/types-of-assessments-everything-you-need-to-know/. And the multiplication itself on the accounts is quite complicated. To multiply by 3, you need to perform 3 difficult manipulations. But, believe me, the child will get confused in them faster than in 2-3 days he will remember the entire multiplication table.

In addition, such difficult classes can be absolutely not a joy for a little student who is just taking the first steps on the path to knowledge.

Can’t quit half way
It’s true. If you stop learning, the child will have to learn to count again. Since the full system of counting can be mastered only at the end of the course. And for this, as we have already said, it will take at least 2 years.

You can start studying with almost zero knowledge of mathematics
When recruiting for a course, they say that the basic skill that is needed to start classes is the ability to count to 10. This is not entirely true. If a child is poorly versed in numbers and https://argoprep.com/blog/culturally-responsive-teaching-what-you-should-know/, then when calculating on the accounts, he will certainly have errors. Such exercises will not bring the expected result. In this case, it is better to start with the basics and sign it up for a basic math course.

Modern students already spend a lot of time on gadgets, why add more mental arithmetic online
We do not agree with this statement. The new generation of children is distinguished by digital thinking. Today’s students no longer read, but watch and listen, consume information at an accelerated rate. And no one is surprised that it is easier for children, being in the same class, to write a message to a friend on the phone than just to say. This is neither good nor bad. It’s just the current reality. And the task of parents here is not to conflict, but to keep up with the times and teach their children through gadgets to develop abilities and expand the horizons of knowledge.

Besides, it’s convenient. Today, in order to form mathematical thinking among preschoolers, one does not need to go anywhere. You can simply turn on the computer and study at home, receiving high-quality knowledge in a comfortable environment.